Although Rider was known only to the people of Wootton Major as a cook, he had a long history of peregrination. Eventually he settled down in the sleepy village of Wootton Major, and held the prestigious title of Master Cook. He married a woman of the village and had a daughter who married a man named Smith and had a young child called Smith Smithson. One day, however, Rider took a vacation, something unheard of in Wootton Major.[1]

He was gone for a few months, but during that time he entered the land of Faery and met the King of Faery and also picked up a Fay-star. He returned with the King of Faery disguised as a youth called Alf; it is not said whether or not Rider knew who the youth was when he first met him, but it is indicated that if not he learned eventually.[2] Alf became his apprentice. The people noted that after his return he was very merry, and sang songs, but were suspicious of his choice of a "foreigner," Alf, as his successor.

Three years later Rider abruptly told Alf farewell and departed, saying that he was going on a holiday, and was not to return.[3] He entrusted Alf with the fay-star, wishing that Alf could manage it to pass to his young grandson Smith Smithson, then two years old.[4] A man named Nokes was made Great Cook after his departure, but nonetheless Rider got his wish and Alf caused the fay-star to go to his grandchild at the Feast of Good Children.